3/17/2013
Luke 23 - Thinking of others while hanging on the cross
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34
Even while hanging on the cross in payment for the sins of the world and even in the middle of the agony and suffering He was experiencing, Jesus thought about others before He thought about Himself. Jesus thought about
His enemies: The Roman guards, the religious leaders, and the people had rejected Christ to die on the old rugged cross; instead of divine retaliation, He asked the Father, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34] He also thought about
His enemies: The Roman guards, the religious leaders, and the people had rejected Christ to die on the old rugged cross; instead of divine retaliation, He asked the Father, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34] He also thought about
His companions: The two criminals that were crucified by his side were also important people on the Savior’s mind; while one mocked Him, the other commented that they deserved to die, but Jesus did not deserve death. He had done nothing wrong. To Jesus, the thief asked that Christ would remember him in the kingdom of God. Meeting the needs of others, Jesus said, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43] Jesus also thought about
His family: He would not allow his earthly mother to not be taken care of even after His death and resurrection; in an act of selfless love, Jesus entrusted Mary to John the apostle with the words, “Behold thy mother.” [John 19:27]
The whole world: Ultimately, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was the supreme commitment to pay for the sins of all the world. He willingly felt the pains of complete separation from his Father so that He could ensure that believers would never have to feel such separation. (Matthew 27:46)
Before Jesus thought about Himself on the cross – He thought, cared, and loved others, even going so far as to suffer for them and their sins. Won’t you accept Him today?
Listen to the complete sermon below.
His family: He would not allow his earthly mother to not be taken care of even after His death and resurrection; in an act of selfless love, Jesus entrusted Mary to John the apostle with the words, “Behold thy mother.” [John 19:27]
The whole world: Ultimately, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was the supreme commitment to pay for the sins of all the world. He willingly felt the pains of complete separation from his Father so that He could ensure that believers would never have to feel such separation. (Matthew 27:46)
Before Jesus thought about Himself on the cross – He thought, cared, and loved others, even going so far as to suffer for them and their sins. Won’t you accept Him today?
Listen to the complete sermon below.